Topic of the Article

​

Title: "Implementing Blended Learning in Mansfield ISD: A Pilot Program for Personalized Education"

​

I’m excited to present my idea for a new blended learning model with Mansfield ISD.  The pilot program will help enhance and support elementary students in their learning journey.  The Enriched Virtual Model is all about combining digital tools with traditional classroom learning, which I believe can tackle some of the common challenges in education today—things like overcrowded classrooms, limited one-on-one attention for students, and keeping students motivated (Lowenthal, 2015).  The combination of technology with personalized learning will meet student needs through an engaging and flexible environment.  

​

Where to Submit

​

Options for Submission:

​

After researching a variety of publishing sites, I’ve narrowed down three possible journals based on their openness to blended learning and their audiences.  As suggested in Publishing: Can I Really Do That?, aligning the content of an article with the mission and scope of the target journal is essential to increase the likelihood of publication (Thibodeaux, 2025). 

1. Edutopia: This one seems like a solid choice. It’s an online platform with tons of practical resources for K-12 educators. They focus a lot on innovative teaching strategies, like digital learning and new classroom models. Given that my pilot program is all about blending technology and traditional learning, it could be a great place to share the story of how this pilot is working in Mansfield ISD.

2. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Journal:  ISTE is all about educational technology, which is central to my project since we’re using tools like iPads and Chromebooks. Their focus on transforming education with tech makes me think this might be a place where my experience could really resonate.

3. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (JOLT): JOLT is a great journal to consider and possibly the winner.  They have a dedicated focus to topics like blended and virtual learning, and since the Enriched Virtual Model blends online learning with in-person instruction, this journal might be a great place to publish.

 

​I’m honestly not sure which is the best fit yet, but I’m excited to figure that out and get this research out there!

 

Connection to Innovation Plan or Initiative:

​

This article is deeply connected to the pilot program I’m running in Mansfield ISD. The whole point of the program is to make learning more personalized and adaptable for students, and it’s grounded in research-backed ideas about how blended learning can solve big problems like overcrowded classrooms and gaps in learning (Taylor & Francis, 2025). Some of the main things we’re hoping to tackle include:

​

• Reducing overcrowding in classrooms

• Giving students more personalized learning time

• Improving the interaction between students and teachers

• Making learning more flexible and accessible to all students

• Encouraging students to take more ownership of their learning

​​

I’m really hopeful that sharing this case study will help other districts see how they might be able to implement something similar.

​

How Can This Information Help Others?

​

Practical Insights for Educators and District Leaders:  One of the main reasons I want to write this article is because I know there are other educators and district leaders who are looking for practical examples of how blended learning can work in real schools. According to EDUCAUSE, digital learning is quickly becoming a major trend in education, and lots of districts are still figuring out how to get started with these models (EDUCAUSE, 2025). I’m hoping my pilot program can serve as a kind of roadmap for districts who want to start small and scale up based on early success.

 

I’ll also be sharing the challenges we’ve faced along the way—like how to get enough devices to all the students, how to train teachers, and how to make sure every student has access to the tech they need to succeed. And, of course, I’ll be offering some solutions to these problems, so other districts can avoid some of the same roadblocks.

​

Lessons Learned or Hoped to Learn:

​

In line with the systematic approach discussed in Feedforward Practices: A Systematic Review of the Literature, my article will explore how formative feedback and continuous tracking of student progress are central to the success of the pilot program (Tandfonline, 2022). Key lessons from my innovation plan include:​  I’m hoping to learn a lot more about what works (and what doesn’t) as we continue the program. I’ve already learned some key lessons, like:

​

• How important it is to involve parents and the community in making the program a success.

​​

• How digital tools can help solve some of the issues we face with overcrowded classrooms and student motivation.

 

• Why ongoing professional development is critical for teachers who are using new technology and learning models.

 

• The challenge of managing digital resources effectively, like distributing devices and making sure tech issues are quickly resolved.

 

As the pilot progresses, I also hope to gather more data on student progress, especially how well blended learning works for students with learning disabilities or other challenges.

​

Digital Resources to Include in the Article:

​

The Publish with Elsevier guide suggests that using digital tools to enhance educational practices can drive innovation and improve learning outcomes (Elsevier, 2025). As part of the article, I’m planning to highlight some of the digital tools we’ve been using, like:

​

1. Curriculum for Hybrid Learning: I will describe how the curriculum has been adapted to accommodate the blended learning model, ensuring alignment with state standards and fostering student independence.
    

2. Tools and Platforms:
    

   • Google Classroom: Used for assignment tracking, communication, and resource sharing.
      

   • Seesaw: A platform for capturing student learning in digital formats, which can be shared with teachers for assessment.
      

   • Classlink: Provides single sign-on and access to digital learning resources, making it easier for students to engage with their coursework.
      

3. Technology Devices and Support:
    

   • iPads for K-1 and Chromebooks for grades 2-4.
      

   • Mobile hotspots to ensure students without internet access at home can still participate.
      

   • A dedicated tech support system to troubleshoot issues and provide support for blended learning.
      

4. Additional Resources: I will include links to relevant readings from Edutopia and the Horizon Reports, offering insights into blended learning trends and evidence-based practices for successful implementation.

​​

Audience, Digital Presence, and Message

​

• Audience: My primary audience includes district leaders, administrators, and K-12 educators who are considering or currently implementing hybrid or blended learning models.
   

• Parents and community members who are interested in how technology can support and enhance their children's education will also benefit from reading the article.
   

• EdTech professionals and educational researchers will find the case study valuable, particularly in understanding how blended learning can be applied in a real-world context.

​

Digital Presence:

  

Once the article is out, I’ll be sharing it on my ePortfolio, social media, and through education blogs to get the word out and make sure as many people as possible learn about the pilot program and what we’ve discovered.

​

Message:

​

Blended learning, especially the Enriched Virtual Model, can help address some of the key challenges we’re facing in education today. By making learning more personalized and giving students more control over their education, we can help them become more independent and better prepare them for success in the future.

​

References:

​

EDUCAUSE. (2025). Horizon Reports on Educause. Retrieved from https://www.educause.edu

​

Elsevier. (2025). Publish with Elsevier. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com

​

Lowenthal, P. (2015). Publishing: Can I Really Do That?. Retrieved from https://patricklowenthal.com

​

Tandfonline. (2022). Feedforward practices: A systematic review of the literature. Retrieved from

https://www.tandfonline.com

​

Taylor & Francis. (2025). Writing a Review Article: For Beginners in Research. Retrieved from

https://www.taylorandfrancis.com

​

Thibodeaux, T. (2025). Publishing: Can I Really Do That?. Retrieved from https://www.tilisa.com